Victor’s Story
Time and Space to Explore
Victor’s experience perfectly demonstrates what’s possible at Purchase when you’re open to exploring your options.
Victor double majors in Economics and Mathematics/Computer Science and is also an athlete, a performer, and a leader.
He arrived at Purchase with an interest in economics, music, and theatre. Originally from Russia, Victor’s family moved to America when he was very young. Culturally, singing is very important to his family as it provides a means of connection, whether in person or overseas in Russia and Ukraine.
“We send videos of us performing, and we get videos of them performing. It’s a very nice way to connect that goes beyond just words.”
Linear Thinking
Victor is drawn to the quantitative analysis and methodical thinking that Economics and Mathematics/Computer Science offer.
He credits his professors here with sparking his interest in both. “The passion that I saw in them as they were teaching, I kind of felt in myself that I could do that. I could have that same kind of passion for numbers and a need to share it with other people.”
Assistant Professor Knarik Tunyan is a math professor with a “joyfulness about math that she approaches with every single course,” says Victor.
“For linear algebra, she opens the first class saying, ‘This is my favorite subject. This math is beautiful. There’s so much to love about it. And I hope I can help you learn to love it as well.’ And that really touched me.”
Striking a Balance
As captain of the cross-country team and a member of the swim team, Victor appreciates the outlet that athletics provide.
“What I really needed coming into Purchase was a sense of balance. I had so much on the academics or the mental side of work, and I just needed an outlet for my body, so running really gave me that.”
Then, swimming allowed Victor to stay physically active year-round.
“I can’t really have one without the other. I can’t have just athletics without academics, and I can’t have just academics without the balancing of athletics.”
Victor also holds leadership roles on the student athlete advisory committee and is president of the Economics Club.
And he’s a member of the Purchase Student Thespian Society. Previously, Victor had been in Jazz Choir, played clarinet in the Jazz ensemble for non-majors, and performed in a shadow cast performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Providing Proof
Victor approaches math and theatre with the same step-by-step reasoning.
“The same things I love about math are the same things I love about theater,” he says. “There’s always a reason, a rationale for why my character would be doing something. And it’s my job as an actor to prove it, just as it’s my job as a mathematician to prove my theorems.”
Scholarships Matter
Victor’s scholarship award gives him the time and space to focus on academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
“Before Purchase, I was working three jobs. I had no time for extracurriculars or social activities. I would work after school, and then I would work on the weekends. The scholarship money really helps me be more active on campus.”
“The scholarship definitely allows me to be more creative. To see what options I have. I can do sports. I can do performance, and I’m part of the student government. I probably wouldn’t have double majored if I didn’t have it. None of it would be possible.”
Scholarships impact the vibrance of the Purchase community.
“Donations make such a big difference to a lot of students here. I know students who wouldn’t be here, who wouldn’t make the community what it is if they didn’t have scholarships. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have a scholarship. It’s a really important thing to keep us here.”